Ivanishvili’s political comeback plunged opposition into “complete despair” – ruling party head

Irakli Kobakhidze, the head of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Wednesday claimed the recent political comeback of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the GD and the former prime minister as a honorary chair of the party, had plunged the domestic opposition into “complete despair”. 

 

Speaking for the press, Kobakhidze asserted since Ivanishvili’s decision in December to return to politics, the opposition had been “constantly” mentioning his name, which he said was “logical”. 

 

“In essence, they have a valid reason for this reaction. Let’s recall how Ivanishvili’s entry into politics unfolded in 2011, as well as his return in 2018. In 2011, the United National Movement [the previous ruling power] felt secure in their position, engaging in activities such as hijacking television stations, business racketeering, and torture of individuals, expecting to continue without any threats. However, within a year of entering politics, Ivanishvili accomplished the seemingly impossible – changing the authoritarian government and establishing an entirely different system. In just one year, he achieved what many believed to be unattainable”, Kobakhidze said. 

He further noted in 2018, “despite the challenges”, Ivanishvili also returned to politics and within two years, by 2020, the GD “convincingly won” the parliamentary elections, “disrupting the plans of the collective UNM”. 

“In this instance as well, Ivanishvili’s return to politics signifies further strengthening of the GD. Therefore, it is entirely logical for the opposition to be in a state of panic, evident in their continuous focus on Ivanishvili since December 30”.